Gran Canaria (Las Palmas)
Las Palmas is the capital city of Gran Canaria, the third largest of the Canary Islands, and the largest city on the islands. The city was founded in 1478 with the name "Real de Las Palmas" by Juan Rejón, head of the invading Castilian army, before engaging in war with the local Guanches (aboriginal people of the Canary Islands). In 1492 Christopher Columbus spent some time on the island on his way to the Americas. Today Las Palmas is a cosmopolitan city with a vibrant nightlife. It has three beaches (Las Canteras, Las Alcaravaneras and San Cristobal) and a big sea port “Puerto de la Luz harbour”. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is also known for its annual carnival.Gran Canaria is called a "miniature continent" due to the different climates and variety of landscapes found. The island is under protection as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. Tourism tends to be concentrated on the southern part of the island as it’s the warmer and sunnier side – the north tends to be slightly cooler. The best beaches are on the east side of the island, whereas the west coast is dotted with rocky coves.
Sites and attractions on Gran Canaria include Palmitos Park, Reptilandia Park, Cocodrilos Park, Roque Nublo (an 80m monolith), Cenobio de Valerón with about 290 caves, Cueva Pintada the most important archaeological park in Canary Islands and the botanical gardens Jardin Canario (in Tafira Alta) and Cactualdea (in La Aldea de San Nicolás).
The town of Agüimes on the east-part of the island has been carefully restored so that its town centre maintains the peace and tranquility of a traditional Canarian town, centered around its old church and quiet square. The district also has some of the best preserved cave homes in the protected area in the Guayadeque Ravine, where even the church has been built into the hillside, and visitors can eat in the popular cave restaurants.
The good weather conditions all year round make Gran Canaria the perfect destination for those looking for plenty of fun in the sea. Sea temperatures rarely drop below 19ºC, the average temperature being around 23°C. The island is considered one of the world’s best windsurfing destinations but sailing, scuba diving, jet and water skiing, and sailing are all activities that are easily available all around the island.
Airport information
Gran Canaria airport, situated on the Bay of Gando on the east coast of the island, lies 25km away from one of the Canary Islands’ main tourist hotspots, the South Zone, and 18km from the capital, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. The airport is located within the Ingenio and Telde municipalities.
The terminal has lifts and ramps for disabled access. Disabled parking spaces are also available on each level of the car park.
By coach
The company Global Aeropuerto operates a regular service from the bus stop next to the Arrivals terminal.
Bus 60 runs to Las Palmas for Parque de San Catalina and Parque de San Telmo. Bus 66 runs to Faro de Maspalomas.
Timetable: For more information about timetables and ticket prices, please visit the website http://www.globalsu.net/
For further information please telephone (0034) 928 252 630.
By car
The airport can be reached from the South Zone and the capital by taking the GC-1 motorway which goes from the north to the south of Gran Canaria via the eastern part of the island. The GC-1 is also signposted from the adjoining secondary roads.
By taxi
Pre book your door-to-door airport transfers with easyJet’s partner Holiday Taxis. We cater for the Business and Leisure Traveller.
A taxi rank is also located directly outside the passenger terminal.
For further information please telephone (0034) 928 154 777.
Hotels
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